St James' Park
Home of Newcastle United since 1892.
St. James' Park is a football stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United. With a seating capacity of 52,719, it is the 9th largest football stadium in England.
Quick Facts
- Signature chant
- Blaydon Races
Lore & Background
St. James' Park has been the home ground of Newcastle United since 1892 and has been used for football since 1880. Throughout its history, the desire for expansion has caused conflict with local residents and the local council. This has led to proposals to move at least twice in the late 1960s, and a controversial 1995 proposed move to nearby Leazes Park. Reluctance to move has led to the distinctive lop-sided appearance of the present-day stadium's asymmetrical stands. The site was originally a patch of sloping grazing land, bordered by Georgian Leazes Terrace, and near the historic Town Moor, owned by the Freemen of the city. The first football team to play at St. James' Park was Newcastle Rangers in 1880. Newcastle United played in red and white at St. James' Park until 1904. The second-ever rugby league test match, and first test victory by Great Britain, was played at the ground in 1908 against the touring Australian Kangaroos side on 23 January 1909.
Reader's Guide
St. James' Park has been used for international football, at the 2012 Olympics, for the rugby league Magic Weekend, rugby union World Cup, Premiership and England Test matches, charity football events, rock concerts, and as a set for film and reality television.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in Newcastle United
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